The Sydney Roosters have reportedly told Victor Radley and his management to start looking at other options for 2026.
It comes after explosive texts revealed in court documents linked him to former Rooster and current South Sydney Rabbitohs dummy half Brandon Smith and an alleged drug dealer in Queensland.
While there are no claims that Victor Radley did anything unlawful, and Queensland Police have not charged him, the Roosters have a strict zero-tolerance policy on drugs.
It’s something chairman Nick Politis has expressed previously, and with reports now suggesting the club may look for an amicable solution to not have Radley on their books in 2026, it seems relatively clear Radley will not be a Rooster next year.
With that said, he hasn’t broken the law and has not been stood down by the NRL.
It would appear there will be plenty of clubs lining up to secure his signature, due to only a few star players left on the market for 2026, and some clubs still having spots available and money to burn.
Here are the most likely landing spots for the English international.
6. Super League
While the Super League looms as the most obvious destination for Radley, the 27-year-old is still in the prime of his career and it’s hard to see him leaving the NRL for a lower-tier competition.
5. Manly Sea Eagles
Failing to reach expectations this season, the Manly Sea Eagles need to add some new blood to their roster if they want to remain a premiership contender in 2026 and the coming seasons.
There is no better way to do this than by bringing in Victor Radley, who is still in the prime of his career and will allow Jake Trbojevic to shift into the front-row – a position he has played on the State of Origin and international arena.
Losing Daly Cherry-Evans to the Bondi-based side in 2026, could a swap between the Queensland representative and Radley be on the cards?
Set to attract a ton of interest from multiple teams in England or France, a move to the Super League will all depend on whether the two-time premiership winner wants his NRL career to come to a premature end – the competition is usually a way for players to end or revitalise their careers.
4. St George Illawarra Dragons
‘Victor the Inflictor’ is almost the perfect fit for what the St George Dragons are building under Shane Flanagan. His tough-as-nails attitude reflects the mentality this Dragons side has lacked for years and would give the Red V a much-needed spark in the middle.
His arrival at the Dragons would make the loss of departing Jack De Belin sting just a little less, and would see Radley assume the role of the side’s lock.
With a stack of young forwards coming through the ranks, Radley’s presence would not only shore up the middle but would also benefit the growth of the club’s rising stars. Speaking of stars, it seems they’re aligning for Radley to don the red and white in 2026.
3. Gold Coast Titans
The Gold Coast Titans are desperate for some veteran leadership with Kieran Foran’s retirement. While Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has proven to be one of the best skippers in the NRL, his possible departure has left the club in all sorts.
Enter Victor Radley, who could be the perfect partner alongside Fa’asuamaleaui, while also being a serviceable upgrade over departing forwards David Fifita and Reagan Campbell-Gillard.
A move to the Titans could be just what Radley needs, too, with the cellar dweller side in some serious need of go-forward on the field. If Radley can replicate the form that earned him the title of ‘Victor the Inflictor’ in the Gold Coast, this move could be a win-win for all parties.
2. North Queensland Cowboys
After axing his entire coaching staff, Todd Payten and the Cowboys will enter a new era in 2026 and have already improved their spine by signing Reed Mahoney from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Radley should be next on their target list.
A potential arrival of the English international would add to an already impressive forward pack and would see him play in the middle of the field in the No.13 jumper with representative stars Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter, Griffin Neame and Coen Hess all around him.
In leading that forward pack, it would ultimately turn the Cowboys into a finals contender and would see him move out of the spotlight in Townsville.
1. Wests Tigers
The Wests Tigers are calling out for someone like Victor Radley. After improving their middles and outside backs this season with new signings, they will bring in Kai Peace-Paul for 2026, but are still in need of a lock like the Roosters stalwart.
While Alex Twal has done a good job in the No.13 jersey, Radley is a far better player and brings that much-needed aggression on both ends of the field, as well as a wealth of experience and embodies that winning culture.
His potential signing would allow him to still live in the Eastern Suburbs, where he grew up and form a formidable spine combination with Jahream Bula, Jarome Luai, Latu Fainu or Adam Doueihi and Apisai Korisau.
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